A walk of about one kilometre leads from Kostanjevica na Krasu to Kal Kalič, connecting a natural spot with traces of the village’s history. The small pond lies east of the village. The walk starts in the village centre at Kržada, passes the primary school and goes by the remains of a military railway from the First World War. Even on this short route, you will find several points of interest: the waterside landscape, wildlife and the history of supply lines.
At Kal Kalič: nature and a short walk
Kal Kalič is a watering place for deer, wild boar, birds, butterflies, bees and other animals. The pond is therefore not just a destination along a trail, but a tangible connection with nature east of Kostanjevica na Krasu. The walk is part of the themed trail series “Med kali in štirnami do duše Krasa” and is listed as one kilometre long. If you plan to walk it, check the trail conditions in advance, as they may change.
You will also encounter the remains of a military railway that served to supply the front lines during the First World War. Nature and history are not separate destinations here: the walk brings them together on one route. If you would rather include a cycling route in your plans, you can start at the village square in the centre of Kostanjevica na Krasu.
Prehistoric traces and local history
Grmača near Kostanjevica na Krasu is a prehistoric hilltop settlement. Prehistoric defensive walls, with a circumference of about 550 metres, surround its summit. This offers a different perspective on the past from the trails around Kal Kalič: here, the focus is on the history of an early settlement.
The Church of St Martin also provides a clearly dated landmark: it was built in 1724 and restored in 1926. The parish church of St Martin stands at the upper edge of the village and offers a view of the sea. Its history and position on the edge of the village add another chapter to the story of the settlement alongside the prehistoric fortifications.
The First World War features prominently in the village’s history. Italian shells completely destroyed Kostanjevica na Krasu at the time. During the Ninth Battle of the Isonzo in November 1916, the village was the easternmost point reached by the Italian army in its advance across the Karst. A supply railway operated by the Austro-Hungarian army ran as far as Kostanjevica na Krasu; on the walk to Kal Kalič, you will also pass the remains of a military railway. These connections put the visible traces in the landscape into historical context.
Art and tradition
Jože Spacal was born in Kostanjevica na Krasu in 1939. He was a painter, mosaic artist and graphic artist, and worked for more than three decades as a set designer for Slovenian television. His work thus spans the visual arts and stage design. The writer Boris Pahor is also named among figures associated with the village.
Another cultural tradition is Kostanjski pust, which has a history of more than a hundred years. Its traditional finale includes the burning and burial of Tine in Kostanjevica na Krasu on Ash Wednesday. This traditional closing ceremony is a distinct cultural highlight alongside the archaeological and wartime traces. Check specific dates for current events before your visit.
Plan your routes and journey
The walk to Kal Kalič is described as one kilometre long; a cycling route starts at the village square. Local cave guides offer guided walks along the Walk of Peace trails. If you plan to join a tour, check booking requirements and availability in advance. This lets you choose between an independent walk, a cycling trip and a guided option, without treating these different activities as a single route.
Kostanjevica na Krasu can be reached by bus six times a day from Nova Gorica and twice a day from Sežana. Check current timetables before travelling. When planning your stay, you can choose from different areas of interest: a short walk to the pond, prehistoric fortifications, church architecture or places and traditions associated with art and Kostanjski pust. Use these themes to decide which explorations to prioritise on your trip.
Discover more destinations: Podsabotin, Pristava, Solkan, Sela Na Krasu, Miren, Zalošče, Renče, Šempas
For the wider travel overview: Nova Gorica.
